Jaishankar also met UK’s Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy, with the two leaders holding discussions on security and development issues as well as bilateral cooperation…reports Asian Lite News
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday called on the UK’s Leader of the Opposition, Keir Starmer in the Parliament, with the two leaders reaffirming the bipartisan commitment towards strengthening India-UK relations.
Taking to his official handle on X, EAM Jaishankar shared details about his meeting with the UK’s Leader of the Opposition, posting, “Delighted to meet UK’s Leader of Opposition @Keir_Starmer in the Parliament. Value the bipartisan commitment in the United Kingdom towards strengthening our relationship. Our discussion covered bilateral aspects and shared regional and global interests.”
Earlier, on Wednesday, EAM Jaishankar met UK’s Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy, with the two leaders holding discussions on security and development issues as well as bilateral cooperation.
“Pleased to meet Shadow Foreign Secretary @DavidLammy this morning. A wide-ranging conversation on security and development issues, as well as bilateral cooperation. Appreciated his perspectives and insights,” the EAM posted from his official X handle.
“Also thank Shadow Minister for Asia and the Pacific @CatherineWest1 for joining on the occasion,” Jaishankar added. Jaishankar will conclude his five-day visit to the UK on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, the EAM also met the UK’s National Security Advisor Tim Barrow and discussed regional and global challenges.
“Glad to meet UK NSA Tim Barrow. A good discussion on pressing regional and global challenges,” the EAM posted on X.
On Tuesday, Jaishankar met with his British counterpart David Cameron and discussed progressing a Free Trade Agreement and partnerships on defence, science and technology.
During the meeting, the two leaders reflected on the strength of the UK-India relationship, including meeting the ambitions of the UK-India 2030 Roadmap.
Notably, India and the UK are negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Talks for an FTA between India and the UK started in 2022 and the 12th round of negotiations took place from August 8-31 this year.
During his UK visit, EAM Jaishankar acknowledged the transformations in the world, the UK, and the evolving India-UK relationship and also emphasised the pivotal role played by PM Modi in shaping the nation’s trajectory.
Outlining the significant impact of PM Modi’s initiatives over the last decade, EAM Jaishankar emphasised that the cumulative effect of these efforts has led to a socioeconomic revolution in India.
Addressing the evolving India-UK relationship, Jaishankar expressed the need to reframe the partnership in light of the profound changes in both nations. He emphasised the importance of preparing for a contemporary era and exploring new convergences to unlock the unrealized potential between India and the UK.
India and the UK have a “growing bilateral partnership”, the MEA stated in a release earlier, noting that the two countries launched a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2021.
Jaishankar is currently on a five-day visit to the UK and will conclude his visit today.
The EAM on Wednesday also met the National Security Advisor of the United Kingdom, Tim Barrow and discussed regional and global challenges.
“Glad to meet UK NSA Tim Barrow. A good discussion on pressing regional and global challenges,” EAM said in a post on X.
On Tuesday, Jaishankar met with his British counterpart David Cameron and discussed progressing a Free Trade Agreement and partnerships on defence, science and technology.
During the meeting, the two leaders reflected on the strength of the UK-India relationship, including meeting the ambitions of the UK-India 2030 Roadmap.
Jaishankar visits BAPS temple
Praying for peace and harmony for Indians across the world, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London on Diwali as part of his five-day visit to the UK.
“Blessed to visit the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London on Deepavali. Prayed for the peace, harmony and prosperity of our community around the world,” Jaishankar, who was accompanied by his wife, wrote on platform X.
The minister also spoke to the Indian community there and thanked them for their contributions that “are raising our profile around the world”.
Also known as the Neasden Temple, the BAPS temple thanked the minister for taking time out to meet the devotees and taking part in the Diwali celebrations.
“Thank you @DrSJaishankar for taking time out to join the #Diwali celebrations at #NeasdenTemple today. We appreciate your kind words, which inspired the thousands of devotees and visitors from the local community who had joined the celebrations,” the temple wrote in a message posted on X.
“May the #LivingBridge between Great Britain and Great Bharat grow and glow from strength to strength,” it added.
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